I'm stunned, as are all of the fans of the pub. This is one of the first places I was taken to when I arrived in Syracuse, and I instantly felt welcomed and a part of the community.

I'm concerned too because this is not the first institution to be closed down in town. Bars like J. Ryan's are, like it or not, a huge part of a city's culture and history.

Don't get me wrong: I like new things and encourage more of it, but to see in the article above this wasn't financial at all makes me raise an eye brow. Is it because of the new I-81 project? Is it the owner of the building they are leasing not wanting a bar there? Whatever it is, it's a sad day for Syracuse.

A toast to J. Ryan's for the MANY good times. I sincerely hope you re-open in a new spot to make memories in.